Tyrone manager Mickey Donnelly endured heartbreak last year when his side lost both the Ulster and All-Ireland minor football finals.

Monaghan proved superior in the provincial decider, while Mayo were their conquerors in the All- Ireland showdown.

It was in the aftermath of the latter contest that Aughaloo clubman Donnelly promised that his side would back on the trophy trail this year and he is certainly beginning to deliver on his vow.

Today, the Red Hands will meet Donegal in the Ulster Minor League final at Brewster Park, Enniskillen where Donnelly hopes that they can become acquainted with silverware.

Tyrone have looked impressive in the league so far and include a number of players from last year's side in their ranks.

They also boast several players from the Omagh CBS side that contested the MacRory Cup final.

Conor McKenna, Lee Brennan, Ronan Nugent and David Mulgrew are expected to show the way against a Donegal side that has made an early-season impact under the capable baton of 1993 All-Ireland winner Declan Bonner.

He has wielded together a side that plays fast, attractive football with the emphasis on getting the ball quickly to their front players.

The team tends to lean heavily on a slick hand-passing game and has achieved high-quality support play.

Lorcan Connor, Jamie Brennan and Eoin Gallagher are among their key players and they have been among their scorers to date.

Yet in beating Down last week-end, Tyrone underlined their hunger for success as well as a dynamic work ethic which could serve them well against their well-organised opponents in what should prove a close contest today.

With the Ulster championship just round the corner, this final certainly will prove a pointer as to who might still be challenging for silverware later in the year.